GARDENING

The Gardening Grant

Perry Hill embraces a collaborative educational experience encouraging regular and Special Educations to work together to best instruct and meet the individual needs for all of their students. This gardening project will which will encourage appropriate, meaningful social and academic interactions for students in the Life Skills/Behavior programs at PHS and their grade level peers. We will be including grades 5/6 students within the life skills/behavior programs at PHS. Staff and students will work collaboratively together to plan, maintain, harvest, and cook healthy meals utilizing garden crops. We will be utilizing the garden to enhance the unique curriculum which is embraced by the life skills program. This curriculum provides instruction for students using real life scenarios in an effort provide them with the skills necessary to become productive members of society. This philosophy emphasizes generalizing skills to various settings and situations. We would also use this as a relationship builder between students within these programs along with their non-disabled peers in an effort to build social and interpersonal skills. The Fency/DiVita dyad are so excited and honored to be a part of this amazing grant. It is a wonderful opportunity for our kids!!!

Our Adopt-A-Spot Program: "THE BACKYARD"

Behind our classrooms is an area that had become overgrown and not maintained well. The Fency/Rua/Vic dyad has adopted that spot to utilize as a team-building and community-helping activity to build self-esteem in our students. We will be weeding, cleaning up, raking and maintaining this spot. In addition to keeping it maintained, there is also classroom seating for 32 students, and picnic seating for 24. It is within ear and eye distance from the classroom, and is a fun and safe place to offer for independent reading, writing, etc. As part of our classroom PBS incentive program, students can earn a "Backyard Pass" to enjoy this area during an independent time. They are excited to get to work and I can't wait to see the transformation in our area and in the kids!!!!